Researchers from Imperial College London estimate that human-caused climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of extreme heat conditions across the 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The tournament, scheduled for June and July 2026, is expected to face more frequent periods of heat stress than the 1994 World Cup, the last time the event was held in the United States.
The study indicates that about five matches may exceed heat thresholds considered unsafe by player health experts, compared to only three such cases in 1994.
The analysis uses wet bulb globe temperature, a metric that combines heat, humidity, sunlight, and wind to assess how environmental conditions affect the human body.
Experts note that FIFA currently considers postponing matches only when wet bulb globe temperatures exceed 32°C, while player unions recommend action at lower levels of around 28°C due to health risks.
According to researchers, nearly 25 percent of all matches could be played above 26°C, with a smaller but significant number approaching or exceeding more dangerous thresholds.
Scientists explain that high humidity reduces the body’s ability to cool itself through sweat evaporation, increasing risks of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and reduced athletic performance.
Medical experts warn that extreme heat can elevate heart rates, accelerate fatigue, and lead to symptoms such as dizziness, cramps, and in severe cases, heat-related illness.
Athletes and former players have also raised concerns, with some arguing that although modern training has improved resilience, it cannot fully offset environmental stress during peak summer heat.
A group of 60 current and former professional footballers has urged FIFA to update its heat guidelines, reduce reliance on fossil fuel sponsors, and adjust scheduling to reduce climate impacts.
They argue that playing in extreme heat not only threatens player safety but also reduces match quality by slowing game intensity and increasing physical strain.
The report also highlights risks for spectators, noting that fans in open stadiums could face dehydration and heat-related illness during prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Researchers suggest that FIFA could mitigate risks by improving stadium cooling systems, extending hydration breaks, and providing better access to water for both players and fans.
However, climate scientists caution that adaptation alone may not be sufficient, emphasizing that rising global temperatures are making summer tournaments increasingly difficult to host safely in traditional locations.
The findings also follow previous adjustments in global football scheduling, such as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar being moved to winter due to extreme heat concerns.
Experts conclude that the 2026 tournament serves as a clear example of how climate change is reshaping global sports, forcing governing bodies to reconsider scheduling, safety standards, and long-term planning for major international events.
